Good Cabs Alan, I have only had the Raymond Reserve, but the ones from the '90s, and have not tasted the '00 - '01. I have not had any of the Columbia Crest Cabs, so I cannot comment. The Raymond Reserves are very nice Cabs and with pretty good price points for the quality. As a good acquaintance's brother was the local rep, I seemed to acquire several of these, and have enjoyed them. While not as complex as many, especially some that are much more expensive, they have offered a good wine over the years. As to your question on aged Cabs, I'd say that there are several factors that should dictate one's decision whether to age, or not: 1.) Personal taste - some folk like young Cabs, regardless of tannins, and how well the wine has "come together." My wife likes young Vintage Ports, and I like them with a few decades on them. 2.) Desing of the particular wine - some wine makers strive for a more readily approachable style, rather than one that requires 5+ years in the cellar. This all. 3.) Vintage of the wine - 1998's seemed to be ready to drink by many standards, right upon release. They were panned, in general, by the wine- press, but many well-made ones turned out to be great "restaurant" Cabs, as they were lower in tannin, and seemed to come together much sooner. They probably will also fade much sooner. There might be some more considerations, but I can't think of them right now. An important note: jot down the wines that you do NOT like, as well, so you can use them as a standard of what you do not want, and so you will not order them, when faced with a wine list in a dark restaurant. Hunt 
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